Since I’ve started running for Oiselle team in August of 2013, I’ve gotten a good bit of questions about what being an “ambassador” really means and why I’m on the Oiselle team. With the recent amazing news that Oiselle just shared (Kara Goucher is now on the Oiselle team!!), I was inspired to put together this post. Actually, Kara’s post “Why Oiselle” directly inspired me to write my own “Why Oiselle.” Here’s my why:
As I became more serious about running, I became more serious about my running gear. No longer did I want to run in nasty old sweats and stained tees. I wanted gear that helped keep me dry while sweating on the run, gear that was cute and gear that was functional. Through the magic of the interwebs I found Oiselle. I was first drawn to the company because it’s owned by an amazing woman. I am all about supporting female-owned companies and so that was the first thing that peaked my interest. Then I learned that apparently, Oiselle made shorts that actually fit real women’s bodies (and by bodies I mean THIGHS). I was skeptical. I haven’t found shorts I can run in since I was in high school. I thought I would give the shorts a try because, why not? Well. I bought a pair of rogas and I fell.in.love. AND, let me just say that the rogas aren’t even my favorite Oiselle shorts. That honor is reserved for the stride shorts, which I wear in almost every race now (if it’s shorts weather, I’m wearing them!). So much love.
But as much as I love the product, my love for Oiselle expands way beyond that. I love the team. This group of amazingly talented and supportive women have welcomed me into a community that I treasure. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of the most amazing women through the Oiselle team and honestly, if I wasn’t convinced of this fact (which I was) before Shamrock Marathon, I sure as heck am now. Kara said it best: “I could not believe how this company seemed to operate with such honesty and integrity. They put importance on family and empowering other women.” After I got sick and had to pull out of the Shamrock Marathon at mile 17, I was honestly embarrassed to text our team manager Kristin what had happened. I felt so disappointed and felt like I’d let the team down. Kristin responded with kind words and instructions to drink lots of fluids. I felt a bit better. So many of my teammates sent me encouraging messages and were just so dang kind to me in what was an extremely tough week. As I scrolled through comments, texts, tweets, and the like, I thought to myself: “this is the definition of team.” I was overwhelmed by support and so grateful to be a part of the Oiselle community. As our team welcomes Kara to the flock, I am reminded of all the reasons why I continue to proudly run for Oiselle. Welcome, Kara! You’ll be happy you joined us. 🙂
I have admired Oiselle for a while now and thanks to you I’m going to give those stride shorts a shot 😉
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Training check in – Persistance
you will love them. As you can see, they are perfect for racing — once they are on, you won’t think about them (for me, that’s a total win!). Let me know how you like them, Michelle!!
I have an Oiselle gift certificate burning a hole in my inbox and have been on the search for a great pair of shorts. I’ll definitely have to give the stride shorts a try!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…PRO Compression Marathon Socks and Calf Sleeves Review
Do it! I also highly recommend the arm warmers – game changers in weird weather like we’re having. Oh, and the LF sweats. Oh and the Flyte LS shirt. I could go on… 🙂
I had never heard of this brand! You had me at shorts-that-will-fit-my-monster-thighs! Sounds like a great gig for you!!
~Ang
Angela recently posted…Review: TwoGrand Smartphone App
The shorts are AMAZING – no lie 🙂
I’ve never owned anything Oiselle (I just learned about the brand recently, honestly, from seeing bloggers who are ambassadors or team members), but their clothes are all really cute and it’s great they are functional. Plus, it’s amazing how supportive your team manager and everyone was after you had to DNF. It’s good that it’s not all performance based because everyone has a bad day every once in awhile and people have all different kinds of running abilities. I hope you’re feeling better after Shamrock too!
Amy Lauren recently posted…Fun Friday “Would You Rather” Survey #2
Thanks Amy! The brand as a whole is just great and the other ladies are the team are simply amazing 🙂
I just read Kara’s post about Why Oiselle last week and it was such a great message. I love supporting companies that stand for something in addition to just making a profit and also have a good product. I’ll have to look into those shorts because I haven’t worn shorts to work out in forever, also because of the thigh issue.
Chaitali recently posted…Weekly review
You really should — Oiselle’s shorts are literally the ONLY shorts I can wear on runs. And I have thighs for days… 🙂
Such a great post…and something I am looking for! I love the comradery and the team spirit that running brings! I love encouraging others in their fitness goals!!! I have contacted Oiselle and hope to someday be part of the team too!!!!!
Thanks Jen — the team and brand overall are just really fantastic!
I was so happy when I heard that Kara is now part of the Oiselle Team not only because she is one of my favorite runners but also because I love the brand. And this post is so nice because it truly shows how a company’s mission and goals can influence a person.
Maria @ The Good Life recently posted…a tea lovers guide to cacao bliss (plus a recipe for tea infused madeleines): tisano review
I love Oiselle and I love Kara! It is a perfect match 🙂 I have never tried the stride shorts but I feel like I have too now. 🙂
Michelle @Baby Blues to Running Shoes recently posted…A week in pictures
DO IT!! 🙂
Well said! I also joined oiselle in 2013 and am so proud to be a member of this team! I also loved Kara’s post and it perfectly explained why I love it so much. I will be at camp in August – will you be there? I have a feeling it’ll make me love oiselle even more!
sadly, i won’t be at bird camp! i’m so bummed but i’m getting married in june and all extra money is going towards that wedding 🙂 i know it’s going to be an amazing time though!
Thanks for sharing Courtney! It sounds like you have a wonderful support system of sisters in Team Oiselle! I am in the market for shorts, so it is good to know that you have been happy with the Roga pair (I love Oiselle tops)
Jennifer recently posted…Weekly Workout/Training in Review 3/16-22
It’s amazing the difference a good running outfit can make! I can’t believe I started off in good ol’ cotton tshirts. So glad you found a brand you love that loves you back!
Lindsey recently posted…I Shamrocked the Shamrock Half Marathon!
aw, what a sweet post! I loved meeting your teammates at Shamrock and can clearly see why you love it so! I have never been able to run in shorts, but perhaps you have convinced me to give Oiselle a try 😉
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…What’s Old is New Again!
Yes! You could even try on a pair of my shorts before you commit 🙂 I was SO glad you were able to meet so many of the team members — and you made a new best friend in sweet baby Emmaline 🙂
This is a great post! I just bought my first few Oiselle shirts recently and they are amazing! It’s so cool you were able to find such a supportive, amazing group of girls.
Kristen recently posted…I’m Fit Possible Blog Swap with See Adrienne Run!
Glad you like the shirts — I’m in love with all the new flyte style tops!
Love this post and Oiselle. I love that it’s a team that is supportive of runners of every pace and distance 🙂 And Kara Goucher’s post on why she joined Oiselle is just incredible. The distance shorts were game changers for me, I’ll have to try the stride shorts!
Stacey recently posted…This Week’s Eats
I’ve heard such great things about Oiselle! I love the shirts I have.
Coco recently posted…Mediterranean Chicken Spinach Bake
I’m somewhat reticent to buy things from Oiselle anymore–I tried the roga shorts and they bunch up like all the others, plus when I purchased a t-shirt from them the seams were coming apart after 2 wears and 1 washing… Then there was the sports bra that can only handle up to a C cup. Plus in this case I have to be “that person” who’s all, “sooo… labor practices (for people who manufacture their stuff not the women who run in it)?”
I understand why people love them in terms of corporate image, but especially when people love it so much I bring cynic A game.
Nicole @ Pink Elephant on Parade recently posted…Rejection
hey nicole – sorry you didn’t love your rogas – are you sure you had the right size? seriously the ONLY shorts i can (and do) wear while running are oiselle, but not everything is for everyone. in regards to your shirt, i hope you contacted the company — they would’ve definitely helped you out. i have to say that my oiselle gear is still holding up after TONS of wears and washes – no problems with seams or anything. and as a girl who is definitely not a c cup, i haven’t tried the bras yet (but i do know that bras for larger cups are in the works).
i understand your skepticism but i love oiselle — the gear, the women behind the brand and the women who support the brand. hope you’ll give it another shot!
Being new to running ( I have several races lined up this year) which Oiselle products should I try first? Given my first race is in March, what would you suggest given DMV weather? Thanks!
Hey – it really depends because the weather in DC can vary so widely in March (as I’m sure you know!). If you visit any of my race recaps from last fall, I shared what I wore to each race – those pieces are my favorite and probably what I’ll be wearing during my March half. Best of luck! If you have particular questions about items, let me know 🙂